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Crop image and data collection for development of classifiers

This is a guide to getting the most out of your data collection for the AX-1 using a camera trolley or the robot itself

Suggested procedure

  • Begin immediately when the seedlings sprout, or when the plants are transplanted to the field.
  • Collect data every twice a week the first two weeks, then once a week until harvest or the plants are too big to treat (~20cm).
  • Collect data for around 20 minutes each time.
  • Don't collect everything in the same place, nor at the same time of day.
  • Make sure there are at least some weed plants in the field.
  • We recommend contacting Kilter after you finish to ensure that the data has reached our data base.

Rules of thumb

  1. Collect data in all relevant growth phases.
    1. Usually this means from seedling until the plant is tall enough to brush the nozzles (~20cm)
  2. Capture as much variety as possible in plants and conditions
    1. Variation in weather, soil, weed cover, plant conditions etc. NB! The camera trolley is not completely waterproof.
    2. Collect data in as many different fields as possible
    3. When collecting in a single field, you don't have to cover the entire field, 2 or 4 rows evenly spread across the field is a good choice.
    4. If a part of the field looks different from the rest, include it.
    5. If the weed cover is very light due to existing treatment methods, consider leaving at least a part of the field untreated.
  3. More is better, but don't overdo it
    1. Around 20 minutes / 4 rows with a camera trolley or around half that with a robot in data collection mode is enough for a single field in a single day.
 

Example of a collection procedure in field

Examples of common conditions to capture

Variation is the key to success. Only by seeing a plant in many different configurations and circumstances will the model learn the essence of how to distinguish that plant from others.

These are some common sources of variation in a vegetable field which are relevant to the AX-1. Not all conditions are strictly required, and not all kinds of variation is covered in this list. But the more variation is included in the data, the better the AX-1 will handle not only the cases covered, but also new sources of variation.

Crop plants Seedlings First true leaf Late season
Weed plants
 Heavy cover Light Cover Large plants
Weather Sunny Overcast After rain
Ground
 Dead plants Soil discoloring Sand
Time of day Morning Afternoon  After dark
Diseases
 Fungus Tip burn Physical damage

Using the robot for data collection

To collect data with the AX-1, activate Data collection mode in the final pane of the Start menu and Capture images in the control panel. Then either run the AX-1 autonomously on an uploaded track (ensure precision spraying is disabled) or drive manually with the control panel joystick.

Activate data collection mode to increase data upload frequency:

Activate capture images before driving and ensure that the cameras are flashing.

Using the camera trolley for data collection

Make sure you have downloaded the Kilter Remote app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

  1. Scan the code and follow the link to register your organisation as operator
    of the camera trolley.
    - Log in with your Kilter account
    - If you do not have a Kilter account you will need to create one
    Note: Don’t create a new organisation if your organisation already is registered. Ask
    your administrator to invite you.
  2. Open the Kilter Remote app and log in with your account.
  3. Tap the trolley in your equipment list.
  4. Tap Connect.
    4. Tap the trolley in your equipment list
    5. Tap connect
    6. Once connected, wait until the GPS signal is ready, then press Play to
    start collecting data

  5. Open the hinge with the QR-code and attach the DeWalt battery.

  6. Turn the trolley on by flipping the on/off switch.

  7. Open the Kilter Remote App on your phone and find the new device, press connect.

    image-2
  8. Once the internet and GPS requirements are met, the trolley is ready to capture images. This may take a moment depending on network and GPS signal quality. If GPS is unavailable, you can manually select your field's position on the map and press Save.  
  9. Start a new session by pressing the Start button. Press Stop to stop the image capturing. If you intend to collect data from multiple cultures consecutively remember to stop the image capturing when moving between fields. Please avoid capturing images when not in the field.

Turn off

  1. Turn the device off by switching the on/off button off.
  2. Remove the battery when the camera trolley is not in use for a prolonged time.
  3. Recharge the battery when necessary.

Assembly and adjustments of the camera trolley